Running 26.2 Miles This Weekend? We've Got The Perfect Recovery Plan For You

If you are one of the 45,000 runners participating in the ING NYC Marathon this weekend, your body is certainly going to need some help recovering from the 26.2-mile trek. For all your post-race needs, we've found some of New York City's finest spas and treatment centers to fix your aching hamstrings and throbbing feet. Though some masseuses say you can get a massage right after you are done with the race, many physical therapists advise waiting at least a day or two until your body feels rested. And the same goes for your feet—take a day or two before you get a pedicure. Better book an appointment fast—you likely won't be the only one trying to score some time at these top spots.

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Running 26.2 Miles This Weekend? We've Got The Perfect Recovery Plan For You

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Courtesy of Shibui Spa

Shibui Spa at The Greenwich Hotel

377 Greenwich Street, N.Y.C. (212) 941-8900

The Shibui Spa, tucked away in Robert DeNiro’s 88-room TriBeCa hotel, is one of our absolute favorite getaway spots in the city. You can feel the zen the minute you step out of the elevator. Plan to do the arnica joint and muscle mineral bath, where you can soak in a hot tub and sip their signature coconut water to relax and hydrate. Afterwards, do a 90-minute Healing Birch Massage to improve circulation and help with lymphatic drainage. During the treatment they will use herbal heat packs to penetrate heat deep into the muscle tissue. After your treatment, don’t forget to spend some time sipping hibiscus tea by the pool. You will leave feeling like a new person. (That’s if you ever leave, we definitely didn’t want to.)

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Courtesy of Caudalie

Caudalie Spa at the Plaza Hotel

Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, N.Y.C. (212) 265-3182

The luxe Caudalie spa might be more famous for its Vinotherapie treatments, but they also offer deep tissue massages ($205 for 50 minutes or $305 for 80 minutes) and reflexology massages that are well-worth the dough. If you aren’t ready for deep tissue work just yet, try the wet body treatment Energy Wrap to restore energy and treat wind-blown skin from race day.

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Courtesy of Guerlain

Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf-Astoria

301 Park Avenue, N.Y.C. (212) 872-7200

In honor of the NYC Marathon, they have a special treatment on offer through November 11th, appropriately name “Life’s A Marathon.” The 80-minute package includes an excellent Sports or Deep Tissue Massage with a choice of a Paraffin Foot Treatment or Full-Body Hot Towel Aromatherapy. Also, there’s the Pampered Sole food treatment (50 minutes or 30 minutes) that is designed to decrease join pain, increase circulation, and reduce calluses. Yes, please!

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Courtesy of Jin Soon

Jin Soon

421 East 73rd Street, #2, N.Y.C. (212) 249-9144

If you are just wanting to focus on your feet, we also suggest going to Jin Soon Choi (a go-to for the fashion and beauty set). We like the Breath of Milk and Honey treatment, where your feet are soaked in hot milk and honey, exfoliated with an aromatic sugar scrub, massaged, and wrapped in a hot steam towel. ($50 for your feet)

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Courtesy of The Peninsula Spa New York

The Peninsula Spa New York

700 Fifth Avenue, N.Y.C. (212) 903-3910

For an ultra relaxing, high-end experience, The Peninsula Spa is our go-to spot. The five-star haven has private treatment rooms for their wide array of holistic massages. We suggest the deep tissue massage ($195 for 60 minutes or $295 for 90 minutes) for post-race recovery. If you want an all-day affair, do one of the Peninsula Spa Retreats, which includes the treatment of your choice, a foot massage, a ritual tea ceremony, a spa lunch, and full use of their fitness center facilities.

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Courtesy of Michael Ciardulli

Michael Ciardulli at Akt In Motion Studio

244 East 84th Street, 4th Floor, N.Y.C (619) 250-2937

Michael Ciardulli has an impressive client base, ranging from pro athletes to broadway dancers to celebrities. Though every treatment is tailored specifically to your needs, Michael recommends his hour-and-a-half signature session (MC Body Work Signature, $225 for 1.5 hours). He focuses on your structural alignment and stretching during the slow and deep body work.

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Courtesy of Bliss

Bliss 57

12 W 57th Street, 34rd Floor, N.Y.C.

(877) 862-5477

Bliss has a number of great massage treatments, but we suggest either the Bliss Extreme Sports Massage or the Blissage 75. The sports massage ($150 for 60 minutes or $15 for 85 minutes) targets the most painful spots with a parafango pack, deep tissue work with a spasm-soothing oil, and finishes with a refreshing gel. The Blissage 75 ($155 for 75 minutes, $220 for 105 minutes) is their signature head-to-toe massage. Our favorite part? The warm wax, foot-softening wrap.

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